WashU is Missouri’s strongest national law school; Mizzou is the public flagship; Saint Louis University is the strongest St. Louis regional alternative; UMKC is the key Kansas City option.
| Goal | Best place to start |
|---|---|
| National BigLaw / clerkships | WashU |
| Public-school value / statewide Missouri | Mizzou |
| St. Louis regional practice | SLU |
| Kansas City regional practice | UMKC |
WashU has the broadest national placement and strongest large-firm/clerkship optionality in the state. It also frequently competes aggressively for high-credential applicants with merit aid.
Mizzou is the public flagship and strongest statewide-value option for many residents, especially for Missouri government, courts and regional firms.
SLU makes most sense for St. Louis; UMKC makes most sense for Kansas City. Geography is the central ranking variable between them.
WashU is the strongest national option; Mizzou is the strongest public-value option.
WashU for national reach; SLU for a more regional St. Louis path.
UMKC is the primary Kansas City law school.
Written by Ali Unar, Founder, Lovare Institut. Updated September 20, 2026.